Lieutenant Hornblower

''Lieutenant Hornblower'' by C.S. Forester is the second book in the classic Horatio Hornblower series, chronicling the early career of the British naval hero during the Napoleonic Wars. Uniquely, the story is primarily told through the perspective of Hornblower’s friend and loyal subordinate, William Bush.
The crew is assigned to the HMS Renown in the West Indies, where they are plagued by the erratic and paranoid behavior of Captain James Sawyer, who suspects his officers of mutiny.
When Captain Sawyer suffers a fall and loses his sanity, the untested First Lieutenant assumes command. It is Hornblower’s tactical brilliance and nerve that actually save the mission, allowing them to capture Spanish forts and privateers.
Through his ingenuity, bravery, and tact, Hornblower earns a promotion to Commander, leaping ahead of the older Bush in rank.
The sudden conclusion of hostilities leaves naval officers struggling with unemployment and adapting to civilian life.